The Board of Deputies has released the following statement following today’s events in the Middle East.
“With the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East our first thoughts are with all those civilians affected:
“With our friends and family in Israel, who have once again been forced into bomb shelters due to Iranian missile attacks. With Arab states, who have today been hit with Iranian aggression. And of course the with the Iranian people who have suffered so ong under this cruel and oppressive regime.
“Iran has long posed a threat to its people, the region and the world, with UK intelligence warning about its hostile actions here in Britain. Whilst military action should always be a last resort, the Iranian regime’s refusal to engage constructively about its ballistic missile programme, its terror proxies or comprehensively renouncing its nuclear weapons programme, is why we have arrived at this point.
“Over recent days, we have been in contact with the UK Government to seek assurance around security for our community here, and appropriate assistance to British citizens in Israel. We urge everyone in that situation to follow instructions from UK and Israeli authorities, and there are links to the information via the Board of Deputies website.
“We urge members of the British Jewish community to ensure their security by following instructions from CST.
“Our fervent hope is for a swift end to this conflict and future of peace, security, and freedom for all the peoples of the region.”